President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
